Educating about sex and relationships: the role of schools

Traditionally, in the health and physical education space we have spent most of our time telling students what to do or what not to do. For example, we tell students “they should eat a healthy diet”, “they should be physically active” and we tell them “don’t smoke”, “don’t binge drink”. However, research is now emerging that supports the need for a shift in our approach to conversations about health and wellbeing. Recent research released by the Australian Research Centre for Sex and Health in Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University provides evidence that the traditional delivery of sexuality education in schools is failing to meet the needs of students.

This growing evidence supports the underpinning framework of the new Australian Curriculum. Rather than focusing only on potential health risks or a deficit-based model of health, the curriculum has a stronger focus on supporting students to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills (those personal assets and strengths) they require to make healthy, safe and active choices that will enhance their own and others’ health and wellbeing.

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Janice Atkin

Janice joined ACARA (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority) in August 2011 as Senior Project Officer and has been responsible for the development of the Health and Physical Education Australian Curriculum. Her previous positions include Education Sector Manager for Inspire Foundation, Senior Curriculum Adviser and relieving Curriculum Manager for Health and Physical Education in NSW DET.